Civilizational Accumulation in Arabia: From Rock Carvings to Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s renewed focus on heritage is not a nostalgic retreat into the past. Rather, it is a strategic act and a forward-looking engine. Vision 2030 recognizes that soft power, cultural diversity, and identity appeal cannot emerge from a vacuum, but from a deep understanding of the questions: Who are we? And how did we get here?

1. Heritage Is Not Luxury , It’s Developmental Infrastructure

In today’s world, nations compete not only through infrastructure and economics, but through compelling cultural narratives. Civilizational accumulation is now part of national identity building, not just historical interest.

2. From “Who Are We?” to a National Project

Vision 2030 starts with a powerful question: Who are we? The answer goes beyond oil, megaprojects, or digital transformation , it lies in the civilizational legacy that has shaped the Saudi mindset.

• Traditional arts and crafts

• Archaeological preservation

• Intangible heritage like poetry, music, and tribal values

3. AlUla: A Living Example of Heritage Activation

The transformation of AlUla into a global cultural destination is one of the boldest heritage-driven projects. It’s not just about preserving ruins , it’s about declaring:

“We are heirs to an ancient civilization. We protect it. We evolve from it. And we share it with the world.”

4. Cultural Heritage as Soft Power

In the age of influence, soft power matters. And cultural heritage is one of its richest sources.

5. From Researchers to Society

• Traditional crafts are taught in schools

• Historic sites are accessible cultural spaces

• Local history is celebrated through films and series

• Folklore is preserved, performed, and commercialized

Conclusion: The Past Is Fuel for the Future

Saudi Arabia’s approach to heritage is not backward-looking. It’s a strategic framework for nation-building.

No nation can write its future without knowing its past. No vision can thrive without a cultural backbone. In today’s Saudi Arabia, heritage is no longer memory, it is momentum.